Experience amazing outdoor recreational activities during winter in Sweetwater County, Wyoming including snow sports, ice fishing and much more.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing on the Flaming Gorge can be very good for burbot and rainbows, beginning in mid-December. Anglers also target lake trout through the ice. Smaller lake trout range freely and are often caught by anglers fishing for rainbows.
In general, smaller fish are caught on the north end of the reservoir and the fish become larger as the ice progresses southward. The Firehole on the Green River arm, Halfway Hollow on the Black's Fork arm, and the Confluence area are all popular with ice fishermen after lake trout. Fish 18-21 inches long are commonly caught.
Burbot were illegally introduced into the Green River drainage in Wyoming. These fish have made their way into the Gorge. Burbot compete with other fish, so it's unfortunate that they're in the reservoir, but they also provide great ice fishing. Burbot look somewhat like a cod, and they get active under the ice during the winter.
Most of the burbot in Flaming Gorge are in the upper end of the reservoir, in both the Blacks Fork and Green River arms. The best areas to start fishing are near the Firehole boat ramp, the Lost Dog area, any rocky points in the Blacks Fork River arm, and points in the Confluence area.
Each winter a “Burbot Bash” is held on the Flaming Gorge in January. The Burbot Bash features hands on presentations of angling techniques, filleting and cooking tips on preparing the fish and a fish fry. It also includes a presentation from the Game and Fish on population studies of the fish in the reservoir. There is no entry fee and prizes are given away.
Flaming Gorge Country
Experience genuine wild country just a few hours from a major metropolitan area. Unspoiled and lacking the crowds of most recreation areas, Flaming Gorge Country is an outdoor wonderland.
Read more about the Lake Flaming Gorge or view an online-version of our travel guide.
Overview
Year-round recreational opportunities abound on the 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the famed Green River. A wide range of active pursuits will fill your days, or you can just sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery and watch the plentiful wildlife.
A rewarding stop along your tour of the natural wonders of the West, Flaming Gorge Country provides the contrast in scenery for which the West is famous, from the rugged Uinta Mountains to the expansive Wyoming deserts. This spectacular combination provides a roomy habitat for a variety of big-game animals, including moose, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep.
Rich in Western lore, Flaming Gorge Country was home to mountain men, pioneers, outlaws and Native Americans. Scenic drives are an easy way to experience Flaming Gorge’s beauty. In fact, one of the best ways to see our famous wild horses is to look right out your car window! Most of our other highways are designated state scenic byways. Side trips, like the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop Tour, offer exciting views of bighorn sheep.
More information on Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway
Winter Activities
The fun doesn’t end with the warm weather. Winter is a magical time of year here in Flaming Gorge Country. Whether you’re on cross-country skis, snowmobiles, or ice fishing, there are miles of trails to explore. Of course, there is fishing in Flaming Gorge Country. From enormous macs in the lake to big browns, cuts and bows in the river, renowned world-class fishing is found here.
What You Need to Know
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is managed by the USDA Forest Service, Ashley national Forest and USDI Bureau of Reclamation. Recreational opportunities include more than 600 camping and picnic units (including boat-in and float-in camps), three full-service marinas, two visitor centers, some 200 miles of trails and many other visitor facilities. The Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center is open year-round. Some facilities are fully ADA accessible, including campsites, picnic sites and fishing platforms.
A limited number of campsites may be reserved in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting www.reserveUSA.com.
Audio Guided Tour
Take a listen to the introduction and beginning your journey through the Flaming Gorge Country and Flaming Gorge Lake.
Full Audio Tour:
Download and listen to the full tour in your favorite media player. (12mb)
Specials & Packages
Whether visiting for a week or just passing through, check out our current Specials & Packages!
